SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WINS DEM NOMINATION
Updated: Sep 10, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jessica Avery
413-388-1240
WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/
SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR CHICOPEE’S 8TH HAMPDEN
CHICOPEE— Veteran, educator, and mom, Shirley Arriaga won the Democratic nomination for Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District. Arriaga received 3,045 votes, or 64%, overall. As she prepares for the general election in November, Arriaga reiterated that her priorities include education, women’s and reproductive rights, economic development, housing, seniors and Veterans.
“I want to thank every voter in Chicopee who engaged in their civic duty by voting in Tuesday's primary,” said Arriaga. “It is an honor to have their support and trust. While I received many endorsements of support, for which I am very grateful, the voters’ endorsement of my candidacy is the most meaningful of all and I will honor it by my efforts and actions each day on their behalf. I look forward to advocating for all the people of the 8th Hampden District.”
Arriaga says that education is one of her top priorities.
“As Chicopee’s next State Representative, I will work with my colleagues in the General Court to increase education funding for early education, vocational training, and teacher retention. Our educators provide students a top-tier education, but the current funding leaves them under-resourced and as a result, students lack critical support such as mental health guidance and outside school programming.”
Additionally, Arriaga says she will focus on economic development.
“I want to increase the focus on furthering economic development in Chicopee through expanding transportation services, investing in low to no-income grants for small businesses, and incentivizing sustainable jobs, while also working with municipal leaders to create new housing opportunities”, said Arriaga.
“Chicopee’s Veterans population has also struggled to obtain benefits due to system barriers. As State Representative, I will work with the newly created Executive Office of Veterans Services to further veteran constituents' outreach”, continued Arriaga.
Arriaga concluded, “Our seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the pain of inflation in ways that create burdens and challenges that require the attention of, and action by, the state legislature. I will work alongside my colleagues to find solutions and provide financial relief to combat the impacts of inflation. “
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